Running Shoes | j.jungkook [COMPLETED]

6: Fart Jokes

I handed a large brown box containing my books and magazines to the man. He took it outside to put it in his van, along with the rest of my belongings.

I wiped my hands on my thighs and let out a tired sigh. Me and my aunt had been packing my things for hours and hours in boxes making us forget to even eat lunch. My stomach growling made that very obvious.

I noticed my aunt still shuffling about inside my closet room situated in my now vacant bedroom. She came out holding a battered brown box, identical to all the other boxes I had used to pack my things except that one was almost falling apart.

"Oh gosh, I told the driver that was it with my stuff. Let me take this to him." 

I extended my arms to take it. She looked at me then down at the box, hesitating as if she was wondering whether to give it to me or not. Eventually she handed it over and mumbled that she needed to do something before leaving my room in a hurried manner.

It was surprisingly heavy so I wheeled myself next to my bed and placed it on top of the naked mattress. I scrunched my nose at all the dust flying before me when I lifted the lid. As I peered inside it's content, I was suddenly hit with all the old memories that crashed into my mind like a wave of an ocean on a stormy day.

This was the box I had angrily dashed all my sports achievements into, not long after being discharged from the hospital. During my ferocious rampage a year ago, I had smashed a few trophies into pieces, ruining my sports display my aunt had spent so long decorating.

That time, I felt as if none of them meant anything to me anymore. I resented myself so much that I couldn't look at my prizes or running clothes without wanting to break down in tears.

I had locked away all my sports related things deep in the back of my closet because it only pained my heart to look at them knowing I wouldn't be able to use my equipment or be able to earn more prizes to add to my collection. I was determined to forget about running all together- clearly that didn't work.

The box contained a small photobook with pictures of me racing or smiling with my medals. There were newspaper articles written about me and that one magazine which I had featured in. Although my appearance was pretty insignificant since I was only shown in a small corner at the bottom of a page, I still felt the excitement. I couldn't help but chuckle at the memory of my aunt cooking a huge meal to celebrate my cameo. 

I picked up the drawstring bag and despite knowing what it contained, I opened it. However that decision was soon regretted when I pinched my nose due to the horrible stench of my dirty running shoes which hadn't been washed for over a year. I threw it back in the box and quickly closed the lid before taking it outside to the van.

The apartment complex was a twenty minute drive from my aunt's boyfriend's house. I gasped as I looked up at the tall building which eventually disappeared into the clouds. Despite it being my third time seeing the place, I felt even more intimidated by the glamorous area as I discovered more new things. 

The streets were cleaner than other areas in the city, there were more green spaces with healthy flower beds full of vegetation. Probably the most daunting thing was how everyone seemed to look so lavish and extravagant. The prosperous girls passing by me probably wore foundations that was worth more than my outfit that I was wearing.

The only thing expensive about me was my electronic wheelchair, still then I didn't feel like I was on their level. Suddenly, I didn't feel so keen on moving out anymore.

"Why did you stop?" asked my aunt, who was couple of steps ahead of me. I mumbled a quiet apology before continuing to follow her with my head down.

When I entered the lobby, we met Byung-Ho who had arrived a few hours ago to set up the bigger furniture in my house. He was familiar with the apartment complex and the workers since his family were somehow connected to the estate.

It was times like these when I suddenly remember that this kind-hearted and humble man was the brother of the most well-known and powerful businessman in the country. 

His niece, also lived in the building, in fact she was to be my neighbour. Due to my aunt's request, Byung-Ho made sure I moved into the same floor as his niece in case I needed help. There was no stopping my over-protective aunt. I was pretty sure it was due to this arrangement, it made her comfortable to let me move out.

"Oh look, there she is," said Byung-Ho, nodding his heas towards the entrance.

The first person I saw was a small boy zooming towards the young guard next to the doorway.

A woman waddled towards us, rubbing her protuding stomach. She shyly smiled and greeted us, tucking her dark hair behind her ear. Despite her casual and not flashy clothes, I still found her aura rather elegant. Honestly, what was it with these rich people and their intimidating presence?

"Finally we have a neighbour. We haven't had one in too long," she laughed.

"Where is that husband of yours?" asked my aunt, looking behind her.

"Taking his merry time," she sighed, rolling her eyes.

A man which I presumed was her husband was struggling to hold a massive package, his legs trembling with every step he took. In the end, the guard whom the little boy was still talking to helped the guy with the large box.

"You need to hurry up!" she shouted at him.

He frowned at her. "You aren't the one carrying this extremely heavy oak cot."

"You aren't the one with a baby growing inside of you. Besides, you said you could handle it!"

We all snickered at her comment, trying to bite back our smile when she looked at us. Their son holding a toy robot raced towards my side. Without any hesitation, he threw his body forwards to bow. I had to put my hand in front of his forehead before it could cause an accident with him colliding onto my armrest. 

"Hello! My name is Park Jun, nice to meet you," he chirped, beaming at me. I couldn't help but return a smile.

"I'm Moon Iseul, your new neighbour. Please look after me well, sir," I mocked a very formal speech as I bowed, causing the boy to giggle, which he concealed with his small hand.

I was very prideful of the fact that I could make children love me and laugh without having to make fart jokes unlike Eunbi. Fart jokes were simply a cheat.

Honestly speaking, no matter how excited I was to finally be able to accomplish my dreams of having my own home, there was still that small bit of anxiety that laid in the back of my mind. It was inevitable. There was always going to be that what-if. I had to allow myself to agree that things were improving.

My life was getting better, I was regaining my happiness and confidence. I had a huge support system that I was blessed with, the biggest supporter being my aunt. I could always go on and on about how great she is and out of everyone in my life she was always the person I could rely on. She loved me like I was her own and showered me with love even though I couldn't always reciprocate. Even though she had her own struggles, she still put on her brave face just so that I could be happy.

Most of my anger after the accident stemmed from the deep underlying regret I felt. The regret that I couldn't do anything for my aunt. I was blinded by the desperation to earn money so that she could live a comfortable life. Still now my vision hadn't fully cleared. The regret hadn't left me. But now I knew that I had to find another way to get rid of that regret and fulfill my wishes.

Even a falling star still shines

- Tablo

A/N: Guys I just republished my angst story with Hoseok in it. Go check it out if you wanna be sad lol I posted a new chapter in it after millions of years XD 
- Panda